The south front of the White House is lit during the 90th annual National Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony on the Ellipse Thursday, Dec. 6, 2012 in Washington. (Alex Brandon / AP Photo)

The south front of the White House is lit during the 90th annual National Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony on the Ellipse Thursday, Dec. 6, 2012 in Washington. (Alex Brandon / AP Photo)

Photo: Alex Brandon, Associated Press

The south front of the White House is lit during the 90th annual... Photo-3860160.53577 - Houston Chronicle

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President Barack Obama, arrives with daughter Sasha Obama for the 90th annual National Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony on the Ellipse south of the White House, Thursday, Dec. 6, 2012 in Washington. (Alex Brandon / AP Photo) less

President Barack Obama, arrives with daughter Sasha Obama for the 90th annual National Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony on the Ellipse south of the White House, Thursday, Dec. 6, 2012 in Washington. (Alex ... more

President Barack Obama, arrives with daughter Sasha Obama for the 90th annual National Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony on the Ellipse south of the White House, Thursday, Dec. 6, 2012 in Washington. (Alex Brandon / AP Photo) less

President Barack Obama, arrives with daughter Sasha Obama for the 90th annual National Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony on the Ellipse south of the White House, Thursday, Dec. 6, 2012 in Washington. (Alex ... more

US President Barack Obama arrives for the 90th annual National Christmas Tree Lighting on the Ellipse of the National Mall December 6, 2012 in Washington, DC. Obama and others attended the event which included entertainment before the lighting of the National Christmas Tree. (Brendan Smialowski / Getty Images) less

US President Barack Obama arrives for the 90th annual National Christmas Tree Lighting on the Ellipse of the National Mall December 6, 2012 in Washington, DC. Obama and others attended the event which included ... more

U.S. President Barack Obama with his wife Michelle Obama and their daughters Malia and Sasha Obama enjoying the concert during the 90th National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on the Ellipse behind the White House on December 6, 2012 in Washington, DC. This year is the 90th annual National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. less

U.S. President Barack Obama with his wife Michelle Obama and their daughters Malia and Sasha Obama enjoying the concert during the 90th National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on the Ellipse behind the White ... more

Photo: Pool, Getty Images

U.S. President Barack Obama with his wife Michelle Obama and their... Photo-3860167.53577 - Houston Chronicle

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Malia Obama attends the 90th National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on the Ellipse behind the White House in Washington, D.C., on Thursday, December 6, 2012.

Malia Obama attends the 90th National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on the Ellipse behind the White House in Washington, D.C., on Thursday, December 6, 2012.

President Barack Obama looks to the stage during the annual National Christmas Tree Lighting on the Ellipse, Thursday, Dec. 6, 2012, in Washington. This year's giant blue spruce is new, transplanted in October on the Ellipse, south of the White House. (Carolyn Kaster / AP Photo) less

President Barack Obama looks to the stage during the annual National Christmas Tree Lighting on the Ellipse, Thursday, Dec. 6, 2012, in Washington. This year's giant blue spruce is new, transplanted in October ... more

Photo: Carolyn Kaster, Associated Press

President Barack Obama looks to the stage during the annual... Photo-3860169.53577 - Houston Chronicle

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Actor Neil Patrick Harris (L) watches as US President Barack Obama, US First Lady Michelle Obama and their children Sasha and Malia illuminate the National Christmas Tree during the 90th annual lighting on the Ellipse of the National Mall December 6, 2012 in Washington, DC. Obama and others attended the event which included entertainment before the lighting of the National Christmas Tree. (Brendan Smialowski / Getty Images) less

Actor Neil Patrick Harris (L) watches as US President Barack Obama, US First Lady Michelle Obama and their children Sasha and Malia illuminate the National Christmas Tree during the 90th annual lighting on the ... more

First lady Michelle Obama (R) and their daughters Malia (C) and Sasha Obama light the 90th National Christmas Tree during the Lighting Ceremony on the Ellipse behind the White House on December 6, 2012 in Washington, DC. This year is the 90th annual National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. less

First lady Michelle Obama (R) and their daughters Malia (C) and Sasha Obama light the 90th National Christmas Tree during the Lighting Ceremony on the Ellipse behind the White House on December 6, 2012 in ... more

President Barack Obama, first lady Michelle Obama, Sasha Obama, Malia Obama, participate in the 90th annual National Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony on the Ellipse south of the White House, Thursday, Dec. 6, ... more

President Barack Obama, first lady Michelle Obama and their daughters Sasha and Malia flip the switch to light the National Christmas Tree during the annual National Christmas Tree Lighting on the Ellipse, Thursday, Dec. 6, 2012, in Washington. This year's giant blue spruce is new, transplanted in October on the Ellipse, south of the White House. (Carolyn Kaster / AP Photo) less

President Barack Obama, first lady Michelle Obama and their daughters Sasha and Malia flip the switch to light the National Christmas Tree during the annual National Christmas Tree Lighting on the Ellipse, ... more

President Barack Obama with his daughters Sasha, center, and Malia, right, react after flipping the switch to light the National Christmas Tree during the annual National Christmas Tree Lighting on the Ellipse, Thursday, Dec. 6, 2012, in Washington. This year's giant blue spruce is new, transplanted in October on the Ellipse, south of the White House. (Carolyn Kaster / AP Photo) less

President Barack Obama with his daughters Sasha, center, and Malia, right, react after flipping the switch to light the National Christmas Tree during the annual National Christmas Tree Lighting on the Ellipse, ... more

Actor Neil Patrick Harris (L) watches as US President Barack Obama, US First Lady Michelle Obama and their children Sasha and Malia illuminate the National Christmas Tree during the 90th annual lighting on the Ellipse of the National Mall December 6, 2012 in Washington, DC. Obama and others attended the event which included entertainment before the lighting of the National Christmas Tree. (Brendan Smialowski / Getty Images) less

Actor Neil Patrick Harris (L) watches as US President Barack Obama, US First Lady Michelle Obama and their children Sasha and Malia illuminate the National Christmas Tree during the 90th annual lighting on the ... more

US President Barack Obama, Sasha Obama, Malia Obama and US First Lady Michelle Obama look at the National Christmas Tree during the 90th annual National Christmas Tree Lighting on the Ellipse of the National Mall December 6, 2012 in Washington, DC. Obama and others attended the event which included entertainment before the lighting of the National Christmas Tree. (Brendan Smialowski / Getty Images) less

US President Barack Obama, Sasha Obama, Malia Obama and US First Lady Michelle Obama look at the National Christmas Tree during the 90th annual National Christmas Tree Lighting on the Ellipse of the National ... more

U.S. President Barack Obama speaks after lighting of the National Christmas tree on December 6, 2012 in Washington, D.C. This year is the 90th annual National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony.

U.S. President Barack Obama speaks after lighting of the National Christmas tree on December 6, 2012 in Washington, D.C. This year is the 90th annual National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony.

Photo: Mark Wilson, Getty Images

U.S. President Barack Obama speaks after lighting of the National... Photo-3860180.53577 - Houston Chronicle

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Taboola Gallery Frame Item-85307.53577 - Houston Chronicle

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President Barack Obama speaks at the annual National Christmas Tree Lighting on the Ellipse, Thursday, Dec. 6, 2012, in Washington. This year's giant blue spruce is new, transplanted in October on the Ellipse, south of the White House. (Carolyn Kaster / AP Photo) less

President Barack Obama speaks at the annual National Christmas Tree Lighting on the Ellipse, Thursday, Dec. 6, 2012, in Washington. This year's giant blue spruce is new, transplanted in October on the Ellipse, ... more

U.S. President Barack Obama and his family are joined by entertainers onstage while singing Christmas songs during the annual lighting of the National Christmas tree on December 6, 2012 in Washington, DC. This year is the 90th annual National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. less

U.S. President Barack Obama and his family are joined by entertainers onstage while singing Christmas songs during the annual lighting of the National Christmas tree on December 6, 2012 in Washington, DC. This ... more

Photo: Mark Wilson, Getty Images

U.S. President Barack Obama and his family are joined by... Photo-3860182.53577 - Houston Chronicle

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First lady Michelle Obama (L), and actor Rico Rodriguez (R), reads Christmas books to children during the annual lighting of the National Christmas tree on December 6, 2012 in Washington, DC. This year is the 90th annual National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. less

First lady Michelle Obama (L), and actor Rico Rodriguez (R), reads Christmas books to children during the annual lighting of the National Christmas tree on December 6, 2012 in Washington, DC. This year is the ... more

First lady Michelle Obama gives high five to kids after reading a story during the 90th National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on the Ellipse behind the White House on December 6, 2012 in Washington, DC. This year is the 90th annual National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. less

First lady Michelle Obama gives high five to kids after reading a story during the 90th National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on the Ellipse behind the White House on December 6, 2012 in Washington, DC. ... more

Photo: Pool, Getty Images

First lady Michelle Obama gives high five to kids after reading a... Photo-3860184.53577 - Houston Chronicle

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Taboola Gallery Frame Item-85307.53577 - Houston Chronicle

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First lady Michelle Obama and Rico Rodriguez, actor on Modern Family read a story to kids during the 90th National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on the Ellipse behind the White House on December 6, 2012 in Washington, DC. This year is the 90th annual National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. less

First lady Michelle Obama and Rico Rodriguez, actor on Modern Family read a story to kids during the 90th National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on the Ellipse behind the White House on December 6, 2012 in ... more

From left, actors actor Neil Patrick Harris, and Rico Rodriguez, American Idol season 11 winner Phillip Phillips, and singer James Taylor participate in the annual National Christmas Tree Lighting on the Ellipse, Thursday, Dec. 6, 2012, in Washington. This year's giant blue spruce is new, transplanted in October on the Ellipse, south of the White House. (Carolyn Kaster / AP Photo) less

From left, actors actor Neil Patrick Harris, and Rico Rodriguez, American Idol season 11 winner Phillip Phillips, and singer James Taylor participate in the annual National Christmas Tree Lighting on the ... more

President Barack Obama, right, Sasha Obama, left, and Malia Obama, sing during the 90th annual National Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony on the Ellipse south of the White House, Thursday, Dec. 6, 2012, in Washington. (Alex Brandon / AP Photo) less

President Barack Obama, right, Sasha Obama, left, and Malia Obama, sing during the 90th annual National Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony on the Ellipse south of the White House, Thursday, Dec. 6, 2012, in ... more

US First Lady Michelle Obama, daughters Sasha and Malia Obama and US President Barack Obama sing Santa Clause is Coming to Town during the 90th annual National Christmas Tree Lighting on the Ellipse of the National Mall December 6, 2012 in Washington, DC. Obama and others attended the event which included entertainment before the lighting of the National Christmas Tree. (Brendan Smialowski / Getty Images) less

US First Lady Michelle Obama, daughters Sasha and Malia Obama and US President Barack Obama sing Santa Clause is Coming to Town during the 90th annual National Christmas Tree Lighting on the Ellipse of the ... more

Marian Robinson (L) and Sasha Obama (2R) watch as US President Barack Obama points a microphone toward US first lady Michelle Obama while singing Santa Clause is Coming to Town during the 90th annual National Christmas Tree Lighting on the Ellipse of the National Mall December 6, 2012 in Washington, DC. Obama and others attended the event which included entertainment before the lighting of the National Christmas Tree. (Brendan Smialowski / Getty Images) less

Marian Robinson (L) and Sasha Obama (2R) watch as US President Barack Obama points a microphone toward US first lady Michelle Obama while singing Santa Clause is Coming to Town during the 90th annual National ... more

President Barack Obama, first lady Michelle Obama and their daughters Sasha and Malia, and mother-in-law Marian Robinson, sing during the annual National Christmas Tree Lighting on the Ellipse, Thursday, Dec. 6, 2012, in Washington. This year's giant blue spruce is new, transplanted in October on the Ellipse, south of the White House. (Carolyn Kaster / AP Photo) less

President Barack Obama, first lady Michelle Obama and their daughters Sasha and Malia, and mother-in-law Marian Robinson, sing during the annual National Christmas Tree Lighting on the Ellipse, Thursday, Dec. ... more

(L-R) Santa Claus joins U.S. President Barack Obama with actor Neil Patrick Harris, Rico Rodriguez, actor on Modern Family, and Phillip Phillips, winner of American Idol Season 11, during the 90th National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on the Ellipse behind the White House on December 6, 2012 in Washington, DC. This year is the 90th annual National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. less

(L-R) Santa Claus joins U.S. President Barack Obama with actor Neil Patrick Harris, Rico Rodriguez, actor on Modern Family, and Phillip Phillips, winner of American Idol Season 11, during the 90th National ... more

President Barack Obama, right, and daughter Malia Obama, sing as Santa Claus arrives during the 90th annual National Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony on the Ellipse south of the White House, Thursday, Dec. 6, 2012, in Washington. (Alex Brandon / AP Photo) less

President Barack Obama, right, and daughter Malia Obama, sing as Santa Claus arrives during the 90th annual National Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony on the Ellipse south of the White House, Thursday, Dec. 6, ... more

U.S. President Barack Obama (C) with his wife first lady Michelle Obama (L) and their daughters Malia and Sasha Obama (2nd L), sing on stage with actor Neil Patrick Harris (3rd R), Rico Rodriguez (2nd R) , actor on Modern Family during the 90th National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on the Ellipse behind the White House on December 6, 2012 in Washington, DC. This year is the 90th annual National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. less

U.S. President Barack Obama (C) with his wife first lady Michelle... Photo-3860200.53577 - Houston Chronicle

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U.S. President Barack Obama, sings a Christmas song with his daughters Malia (3rd-L) and Sasha (2nd-L), first lady Michelle Obama (L), Actor Neil Patrick Harris (2nd-R), and Rico Rodriguez (R),during the annual lighting of the National Christmas tree on December 6, 2012 in Washington, DC. This year is the 90th annual National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. less

U.S. President Barack Obama, sings a Christmas song with his daughters Malia (3rd-L) and Sasha (2nd-L), first lady Michelle Obama (L), Actor Neil Patrick Harris (2nd-R), and Rico Rodriguez (R),during the annual ... more

Photo: Mark Wilson, Getty Images

U.S. President Barack Obama, sings a Christmas song with his... Photo-3860201.53577 - Houston Chronicle

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Taboola Gallery Frame Item-85307.53577 - Houston Chronicle

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President Barack Obama, second from right, first lady Michelle Obama, left, Sasha Obama, second from left, Malia Obama, and host Neil Patrick Harris prepare to sing during the 90th annual National Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony on the Ellipse south of the White House, Thursday, Dec. 6, 2012, in Washington. (Alex Brandon / AP photo) less

President Barack Obama, second from right, first lady Michelle Obama, left, Sasha Obama, second from left, Malia Obama, and host Neil Patrick Harris prepare to sing during the 90th annual National Christmas ... more

Photo: Alex Brandon, Associated Press

President Barack Obama, second from right, first lady Michelle... Photo-3860203.53577 - Houston Chronicle